Lei Feng

Chinese political culture strongly believes in the malleabillity of man. Moreover, it is convinced that everyone by nature is inclined to follow a good example. Such examples not only have to be exemplary, but at the same time they have to be recognizable. The best-known role model of the People's Republic is Lei Feng (雷锋, 1940-1962). Through his study of the writings of Mao he learned to combat selfish behavior and to devote himself completely to the revolution. Once the first campaign to study Lei Feng was started in 1963, innumerable posters devoted to him have been published. Until today, Lei continues to be seen as the greatest example of self-sacrifice.